Ex-Soviet States: ”Gaza faces humanitarian disaster”
Foreign Ministers from members of the Commonwealth of Independent States have condemned terrorism and indiscriminate use of force
Gaza is facing a humanitarian catastrophe, according to a warning issued by the foreign ministers of nations that formerly belonged to the USSR. The Palestinian territory needs access to food, fuel, and medical assistance, they said in a joint statement published on Friday.
The message came from top diplomats of eight of the nine active members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), who held a meeting this week in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. They expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence in the Middle East and the high number of civilian casualties among Israelis and Palestinians.
They called on the parties to observe international humanitarian law and ensure that civilians were offered safe evacuation routes from the conflict zone.
The ministers have condemned “all instances of extremism, terrorism, taking of hostages, and other forms of violence against peaceful civilians, as well as indiscriminate use of force during military operations.”
Last Saturday, the Palestinian movement Hamas launched a surprise incursion from Gaza into southern Israel, killing over 1,300 people and capturing up to 150 hostages in response to IOF attacks.
On Thursday, Israel ordered Palestinians living in the northern part of the coastal territory to relocate south for personal safety. Critics of the instruction said that it was impossible to follow in the 24 hours given by the Israeli military. Over 1 million people reside in that part of Gaza.
Israel has declared war on the organization and has besieged Gaza, cutting supplies of water, fuel, and electricity. According to local authorities, over 1,500 people have been killed during Israeli bombardments.
